This week’s headlines include The Return of the Cloquet Forestry Center Lands, a newly available Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relative’s license plate, and the showing of Bear Grease, an Indigenous spin on the classic musical, Grease.
RETURN OF FOND DU LAC FORESTRY CENTER LANDS
The forestry center was established in 1909 on 2,000 acres of land. It continued to expand and currently sits on 3,400 acres, all lying completely within the boundaries of the tribal reservation. The land was initially set aside by the federal government for the band as a part of the La Pointe Treaty of 1854. And was later allowed as a transfer of “unallotted” land to lumber companies via federal law. Later, the land was purchased by the University of Minnesota.
The Cloquet Forestry Center was the University of Minnesota’s research and education forest. The forest itself is home to some of the oldest large pine tree populations with some dating back to the early 1800’s. Logging in the Forestry Center meant that many pine trees were cut down, therefore making large pine tree populations rare subjects of study.
Concerns of the Forestry Center losing its educational value have risen, the [Fond Du Lac] Band reassures that the land will be well-maintained with consideration to their wild rice beds and teachings. The university is looking for alternative locations for a forestry center, but for now, Fond du Lac has agreed to facilitate some of the university’s ongoing research.
MMIR LICENSE PLATE NOW AVAILABLE
The Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office and the Gaagige Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Board aim to spread awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives through the new license plate now available to purchase state-wide.
The new Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, or MMIR, license plate features a red handprint, symbolizing the historic silencing of the violence that Indigenous people have faced for many generations. The symbol is a dedication to listening to voices that are moving forward. Also featured on the license plate is a ribbon skirt with ribbons of the four sacred colors: red, white, yellow, and black, representing the four directions of north, south, east, and west.
Any proceeds will be contributed to Gaagige Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Fund Board. Purchasers of the license plate will be required to donate an annual fee of $25 to the funds account.
The fund offers rewards for information on missing and murdered Indigenous women, children, and Two-Spirit relatives.
Several tribal nations in Minnesota that already have special MMIR license plates available for purchase for their tribal members. The public can order the new MMIR License plate at drive.mn.gov or find an office to buy in person.
NEW CEO FOR THE MINNESOTA INDIAN WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER
Ruth Buffalo, former North Dakota Representative, is coming to lead as the new CEO for the Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Center.
Buffalo is a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation and is a descendant of the Chiricahua Apache. She is an educator, community organizer, and public health professional. She has served on advisory councils focused on women’s health, leadership development, and local food systems. Her work has brought laws focused on public safety, prevention, and awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, as well as the creation of a Missing Persons Database.
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Seuxal Assault Center welcomes Buffalo as leading the nonprofit organization.
BEAR GREASE
New Native Theatre, based in the Twin Cities, is bringing the spin on a classic musical to Minnesota in early March. Featuring an all-Indigenous cast, Bear Grease, puts a hilarious twist on the 1978 classic, Grease.
Created by a husband-and-wife hip-hop duo, LightningCloud, Crystle Lightning, who is Cree, and MC Redcloud, who is Huichol, co-wrote Bear Grease, which is Grease reimagined with cultural relevance and indigenous humor and pride.
This is the New Native Theatre’s second production after being named a 2023 Headwaters Foundation for Justice Bush Prize winner. The prize recognized the company’s approach to decolonizing the theater ecosystem and creating a way for expression of indigenous storytelling for indigenous audiences and artists.
Audiences can buy tickets online at New Native Theatre’s website or by emailing boxoffice@newnativetheatre.org
For Minnesota Native News, I’m Emma Needham.
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